“OK, so maybe when I turn the other cheek, I am demonstrating redemptive forgiveness. Is there ever a time when I should strike back?”—Katie
Last time, we discussed the reasons for why one would “turn the other cheek.” We acknowledged that the ethic of the New Testament is radical: forgiveness toward, even love for, enemies, is what is prescribed (Mt. 5:43-48). “Be at peace with all men, if at all possible” (Rom. 12:18; 14:19). This is the ideal.
In the ancient Scripture, however, we can see the reality of the situation. The world is a broken, harsh place and bad stuff happens. This situation often demands a response. Evil and idolatrous behavior resulted in punishment (II Kgs. 17:7-23.) David prayed for the destruction of his enemies (Psa. 137:7-9, passim.) The prophets called for justice (see Amos 4; 5:24.)
Jesus understood the reality of a sinful world. He warned of harsh times and persecution (Mt. 24:6-12.) He verbally opposed hypocrisy (Mt. 23:1-36.) Paul did also (Gal. 2:11ff) and instructed Timothy to be ready to “reprove and rebuke” (I Tim. 5:20; II Tim. 4:2.)
We restrict evil where we can, rejecting trouble-makers (Rom. 16:17-19) and caring for the weak and powerless (“orphans and widows”; see James 1:27). We stand against prejudice and bigotry because we understand that all people are valuable before God (Gen. 1:26ff; Mt. 6:9; Acts 10:34).
We live in the tension between the ideal of non-retaliation and the harsh realities of worldly abuses of power and violations of justice. We understand the value of taking no revenge—we also know we cannot allow evil and injustice to go unaddressed. A “good conscience” (I Tim. 1:5ff) constrains us to act against these things, not out of anger or retribution but out of “a pure heart” (right motives), “a sincere faith” (wanting God’s purposes to be achieved) and humility (knowing that our feelings are subjective, our understanding is limited and we are not perfect.)
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
What Would God Say?
“If there was one thing God would say to me today, what would it be?”—Joy
Often we want God to speak to us directly, offering guidance, solving problems and providing answers to the “big” questions that confront us. Actually, God does address us individually—our problem is we do not often listen very well.
Generally, God speaks through the inspired record of His revelation of Himself to humanity—a book we call the Bible. Through a wide variety of literary styles and genre, God covers a lot of issues! Truth and reality, law and grace, freedom and responsibility, justice and mercy, judgment and forgiveness, and holiness and purity are all encompassed within His message to us.
Scripture consistently teaches that people are most blessed if they love God above all else and love people. For the Hebrews, the distillation of these instructions was given in the Decalogue. Wise Solomon advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . . ” (Prov.3:5-6). Through the prophets, God instructed His people to, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Me” (Mic. 6:8). Jesus defined the greatest commandments in this way, “Love God and love your neighbor” (Mt. 22:36-39). Other texts such as the Sermon on the Mount and Paul’s letters offer theology and ethics which are powerful guides for living today. God likely would want us to hear all of this.
Christians believe that God’s most significant message to humankind is that God Himself has come among us in the person of Jesus Christ. The prominent theologian of the early 20th century, Karl Barth, once declared this statement to be the most profound truth he had ever heard, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
So, what one thing might God say? “Read My Book. It’s all in there. Then, let’s talk.”
Often we want God to speak to us directly, offering guidance, solving problems and providing answers to the “big” questions that confront us. Actually, God does address us individually—our problem is we do not often listen very well.
Generally, God speaks through the inspired record of His revelation of Himself to humanity—a book we call the Bible. Through a wide variety of literary styles and genre, God covers a lot of issues! Truth and reality, law and grace, freedom and responsibility, justice and mercy, judgment and forgiveness, and holiness and purity are all encompassed within His message to us.
Scripture consistently teaches that people are most blessed if they love God above all else and love people. For the Hebrews, the distillation of these instructions was given in the Decalogue. Wise Solomon advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . . ” (Prov.3:5-6). Through the prophets, God instructed His people to, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Me” (Mic. 6:8). Jesus defined the greatest commandments in this way, “Love God and love your neighbor” (Mt. 22:36-39). Other texts such as the Sermon on the Mount and Paul’s letters offer theology and ethics which are powerful guides for living today. God likely would want us to hear all of this.
Christians believe that God’s most significant message to humankind is that God Himself has come among us in the person of Jesus Christ. The prominent theologian of the early 20th century, Karl Barth, once declared this statement to be the most profound truth he had ever heard, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
So, what one thing might God say? “Read My Book. It’s all in there. Then, let’s talk.”
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wacko Baptists in Kansas
“Are those people in Kansas who picket soldiers’ funerals typical Baptists? If not, why don’t I hear ‘real Baptists” denouncing their actions?”—Dan
Good question. I can speak personally to this one because it hits close to home.
That this group calls itself “Baptist” is highly unfortunate because doing so casts a long shadow over good folks who share the name. This “fringe” group does not appear to practice much of anything that resembles historic Baptist beliefs.
Many “real Baptists,” as you say, have indeed denounced the unconscionable actions of this group. Their denunciation may not always be as loud or forceful as one might wish for several reasons: maintaining some regard for this group’s freedom of speech (admittedly through gritted teeth), not being in a position to judge their deepest motives or spiritual condition and finally, recognizing that engaging them in public debate will only feed their noxious craving for attention.
Baptists, rightly or wrongly, have a reputation for being fire-breathing, damnation-dispensing, against-everything, closed-minded bigots. Contrary to this stereotype, however, Christians of an authentic “baptistic” inclination are historically people who believe that every person is free before God to follow his conscience in matters of faith and worship. Genuine Baptists are genuine Christians—for most of them, their goal is to live their lives in such a way that Christ gets the glory and the appellation is a footnote.
True Christians, regardless of denominational label, theological disparities or ecclesiastical traditions, are not insensitive, bombastic publicity seekers. Christ-followers who wish to emulate Jesus will actually speak less and listen more. They may hold strong opinions and freely express them, but they will do so in a way that is not demeaning or condescending. They will affirm in practice that the best way for the world to know they are Christians is that they love God, love neighbors and love one another (Mt. 22:36-39; Jn. 13:35).
Good question. I can speak personally to this one because it hits close to home.
That this group calls itself “Baptist” is highly unfortunate because doing so casts a long shadow over good folks who share the name. This “fringe” group does not appear to practice much of anything that resembles historic Baptist beliefs.
Many “real Baptists,” as you say, have indeed denounced the unconscionable actions of this group. Their denunciation may not always be as loud or forceful as one might wish for several reasons: maintaining some regard for this group’s freedom of speech (admittedly through gritted teeth), not being in a position to judge their deepest motives or spiritual condition and finally, recognizing that engaging them in public debate will only feed their noxious craving for attention.
Baptists, rightly or wrongly, have a reputation for being fire-breathing, damnation-dispensing, against-everything, closed-minded bigots. Contrary to this stereotype, however, Christians of an authentic “baptistic” inclination are historically people who believe that every person is free before God to follow his conscience in matters of faith and worship. Genuine Baptists are genuine Christians—for most of them, their goal is to live their lives in such a way that Christ gets the glory and the appellation is a footnote.
True Christians, regardless of denominational label, theological disparities or ecclesiastical traditions, are not insensitive, bombastic publicity seekers. Christ-followers who wish to emulate Jesus will actually speak less and listen more. They may hold strong opinions and freely express them, but they will do so in a way that is not demeaning or condescending. They will affirm in practice that the best way for the world to know they are Christians is that they love God, love neighbors and love one another (Mt. 22:36-39; Jn. 13:35).
Sunday, July 12, 2009
When you lose your job
“Where is God when you lose your job?”—Steve
This question has several underlying assumptions (and/or concerns): that God exists, that God knows and cares, and that God is (or should be) somehow involved in the affairs of our life.
The Bible doesn’t argue the existence of God—it reveals a God who is personal, aware (Ps. 139:1-16; Jer. 23:24), caring and involved in the life of His people (Ps. 86:14-17; 136; Isa. 54:8, 10).
So, where is God in that situation? He is right there—He has not abandoned you (Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5-6). For whatever reason this happened, God was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared.
Losing your job may be the consequence of your choices or due to incompetence (yours or your employer’s) or because of “the economy”. It may be the result of someone’s desire to hurt you or exact revenge upon you. The Bible teaches that, regardless of the reason for your loss and pain, God is working in the situation to accomplish His good purposes (Rom. 8:28-29).
He may have better things in store for you. In the process of discovering His plans, you will also discover God in a more profound way (Jer. 29:11-13).
He may want you to deepen in your faith. In the midst of chaos, confusion and fear, God can show those who love and trust Him that He can protect and provide (II Chr. 20:14-17; Prov. 3:5-6; I Pet. 5:7).
He may want to discipline you. Sometimes God uses difficulties in your life to bring you toward holiness and a clearer sense of what is right and good (Heb. 12:4-11).
Whatever the case, remember that nothing is impossible with God (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) and that His love for you (His desire for your best) never ceases (Rom. 8:35-39).
This question has several underlying assumptions (and/or concerns): that God exists, that God knows and cares, and that God is (or should be) somehow involved in the affairs of our life.
The Bible doesn’t argue the existence of God—it reveals a God who is personal, aware (Ps. 139:1-16; Jer. 23:24), caring and involved in the life of His people (Ps. 86:14-17; 136; Isa. 54:8, 10).
So, where is God in that situation? He is right there—He has not abandoned you (Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5-6). For whatever reason this happened, God was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared.
Losing your job may be the consequence of your choices or due to incompetence (yours or your employer’s) or because of “the economy”. It may be the result of someone’s desire to hurt you or exact revenge upon you. The Bible teaches that, regardless of the reason for your loss and pain, God is working in the situation to accomplish His good purposes (Rom. 8:28-29).
He may have better things in store for you. In the process of discovering His plans, you will also discover God in a more profound way (Jer. 29:11-13).
He may want you to deepen in your faith. In the midst of chaos, confusion and fear, God can show those who love and trust Him that He can protect and provide (II Chr. 20:14-17; Prov. 3:5-6; I Pet. 5:7).
He may want to discipline you. Sometimes God uses difficulties in your life to bring you toward holiness and a clearer sense of what is right and good (Heb. 12:4-11).
Whatever the case, remember that nothing is impossible with God (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) and that His love for you (His desire for your best) never ceases (Rom. 8:35-39).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Women at the tomb
“The women going to Jesus’ tomb on that first Easter morning could not have been sure they were going to have access to Jesus’ body. What were they expecting to do?”—Ryan
All four gospels relate the account of women going to Jesus’ tomb (Mt. 28:1-8; Mk 16:1-8; Lk. 24:1-12; Jn. 20:1-18). Because of Sabbath restrictions the previous Friday evening, the burial had been hurried and incomplete. These friends of Jesus carried with them the requisite spices for a proper preparation of the body (Mk. 16:1; Lk. 24:1).
What were they expecting? The gospel writers don’t tell us. Certainly they were still in the early stages of grief. Beyond that, we might surmise they were hoping for a sympathetic guard who would let them in (Mk. 16:3). Perhaps they were hoping against hope that they would find the tomb unguarded and somehow accessible, even though they had seen the opening covered with a large stone and sealed.
This is the response of deep, unfettered love—love that hopes in the face of despair and acts when all seems lost. This love, driven by an inner impulse beyond mere calculus, looks past the seemingly impossible and finds within itself the will to act. These women would go to Jesus—and deal with whatever they found.
There is one point not to be missed. The women knew Jesus was dead. They had seen Him die and had helped lay Him in the grave. They did not come expecting to find the tomb empty and shining messengers proclaiming His return to life!
They experienced an overwhelming mix of joy, astonishment and terror (Mt. 28:8; Mk. 16:8; Lk. 24:5). They ran to tell the other disciples who were disbelieving and skeptical. The news of the resurrection of Christ from the dead was a complete shock—their subsequent encounter with Him, however, changed their lives forever!
All four gospels relate the account of women going to Jesus’ tomb (Mt. 28:1-8; Mk 16:1-8; Lk. 24:1-12; Jn. 20:1-18). Because of Sabbath restrictions the previous Friday evening, the burial had been hurried and incomplete. These friends of Jesus carried with them the requisite spices for a proper preparation of the body (Mk. 16:1; Lk. 24:1).
What were they expecting? The gospel writers don’t tell us. Certainly they were still in the early stages of grief. Beyond that, we might surmise they were hoping for a sympathetic guard who would let them in (Mk. 16:3). Perhaps they were hoping against hope that they would find the tomb unguarded and somehow accessible, even though they had seen the opening covered with a large stone and sealed.
This is the response of deep, unfettered love—love that hopes in the face of despair and acts when all seems lost. This love, driven by an inner impulse beyond mere calculus, looks past the seemingly impossible and finds within itself the will to act. These women would go to Jesus—and deal with whatever they found.
There is one point not to be missed. The women knew Jesus was dead. They had seen Him die and had helped lay Him in the grave. They did not come expecting to find the tomb empty and shining messengers proclaiming His return to life!
They experienced an overwhelming mix of joy, astonishment and terror (Mt. 28:8; Mk. 16:8; Lk. 24:5). They ran to tell the other disciples who were disbelieving and skeptical. The news of the resurrection of Christ from the dead was a complete shock—their subsequent encounter with Him, however, changed their lives forever!
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